As “ultra” is synonymous not only with pushing back your limits, but also with human and sporting adventure, the organisers of the Ultra Raid de La Meije take care to offer a challenge that respects the purist mountain biking spirit.
The Ultra Raid de La Meije enjoys a 100% natural setting, using only tracks and paths! This is a very technical, high-altitude mountain raid, suitable only for highly-trained mountain bikers.

There are no half measures in Oisans. The scenery is breathtaking and the mountain passes iconic, with varied paths, technical descents and high-altitude lakes offering mountain bikers an exceptional play area.

However, the Ultra Raid is not open uniquely to the elite. The two ‘Ultra’ events are for advanced riders, but the events entitled ‘Rando’ are suitable for the less experienced.

The route

Starting from Villar d’Arene village, the magnificent route goes over the Col du Lautaret and the Col du Galibier, before crossing the massif of Les Cerces and continuing on to Oisans via the plateau d’Emparis. Crossings three departments (Hautes-Alpes, Isère and Savoie), nearly continuously at altitudes of over 2000m, the route does not have a single tarmac section, instead featuring a series of climbs on tracks and paths and descents on technical singles. For mountain and nature lovers, the Pays de la Meije is the most magnificent setting. At the foot of the Meije (3983m) with its huge glaciers, the most famous mountain passes in the Alps (Col du Lautaret and Col du Galibier) have provided the backdrop for the most beautiful images of the Tour de France and the setting for the fastest times.